Series 3 Unit Needs Constant Rebooting: Answers?

[Nick Satullo]

I have 3 Series 3 units. Each are connected via ethernet to a router, and access TiVo in that way.

Time-Warner supplies the cable cards. All 3 units are lifetime subscription units, for which I paid a pretty penny (I bought them new with lifetime service).

One of the units needs constant rebooting. It is hooked up to a Sony Grand Wega. It accesses the internet via an X-box wireless adapter, which works in every other application (though I mention it because this might be the problem, though I think not).

It will go for a few days, fine, and then I'll turn the set on and see nothing but static via the HDMI input on the set, and nothing at all via the component input on the set (both inputs are hooked up). When I pull the plug on the TiVo unit, it starts to reboot and the problem goes away . . . until the next time.

Someone suggested that the problem is with my cable card. Can this be right? It doesn't sound like temporary disconnect from the internet, either, because that has happened for plausible reasons on the other units, and it doesn't crash the unit--it simply eliminates the unit from getting program material for the TiVo. When this particular unit crashes, I can't get live TV, I can't access previously recorded material--I can't do a thing until the unit reboots, and then all is fine.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

[Nick Satullo]

Bump. I can't believe no one else has had this problem.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

[windracer]

The next time it happens, go into the CableCARD Diagnostics screen and check the authorization status. Maybe something in there will indicate what the problem is.

And what kind of "static" are you seeing over HDMI?

[Arcady]

Have you tried swapping two of the S3 boxes? Put a good one where the bad one is and see if it does the same thing.

[George Cifranci]

Nick does your S3 completely lock up? In other words when you see the screen with nothing but static and you press the buttons on your remote do you see any response from the front of the S3 unit itself?

This sounds very similar to the green screen of death that I and others (many who also have Sony HDTV's I have a Sony SXRD R60XBR1). Sometimes when I would turn on my TV I would get a solid green screen and my Tivo would be locked up. I would have to pull the power to reboot it. I was using the built in wired Ethernet connection. Someone thought it had to do with some weird grounding issue. The solution was to use a wired USB Ethernet adapter. That is weird that you are using a wireless USB adapter and it is happening to you. Ever since I installed that my Tivo S3 hasn't locked up since.


There is another big thread on here discussing this issue. Check out this thread...

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=334684&highlight=freeze

(You might want to start on the last page of that thread (page 5) and work your way back.)

[A-1]

http://www.wkblog.com/DSC00002.JPG
I may have this similar problem.

This has been going on for about 2 weeks now.

Every so often i will lose all channels above 160

Conditional access and everything auth (Subscribed) on both cards.

Go into Channel settings and sometime if i test the signal i can select and see signal on channels above 160 with strength indicator at 90-94 And, sometimes i am unable to select or view to test signal strength above 160. Either way going to live TV is just a black screen or sometimes no signal at the bottom on channels above 160.

I reboot the Tivo they all come back.

In the last week i have had to reboot my S3 4 times.

[jvanaken]

Every few days, just a gray screen - no signal. Reboot, let it re-scan the channels, and it's back again.

It's starting to get annoying.

[CrispyCritter]

You might want to search the forum for "toxic channels". There are two or three channels scattered across the country that broadcast something that occasionally causes TiVo's to freeze or reboot. I remember the tech channel "G4" in a couple of locations in the country causes problems. If you have suggestions on, and get a toxic channel via suggestion, then your TiVo may freeze. (This has a low probability of being your problem, but I thought I'd mention it).

[A-1]

G4 is owned by Comcast are you suggesting that Comcast is creating "toxic channels" just to make tivo dysfunctional and make their dvrs superior?

[Nick Satullo]

I finally went to where I should have gone to begin with. TiVo rep gave me a cost-free replacement, stating that since mine was within the 90 day activation period, that was what I had coming. Good thing for that, although that sounds suspiciously like a 90 day warranty.

Nick :cool:

[fusednova]

I have 2 S3s and one has been replaced already. I was an early adopter so my local Comcast had no clue what to do. Anyway, I've had no less than 9 cablecards in my S3s and while things are stablized, I had to install timers to reboot the systems nightly. This is on top of the HORRIBLE sound dropouts in every stinking show I watch (as much as 5 times an hour).

I love Tivo - I have 5 total - but I'm thikning of dropping my lifetime S3s.

[Nick Satullo]

That's what the email notice said. I'm a little put off by that.

Nick :cool:

[aaronwt]

Three Series 3 boxes, each with two cable cards since december. The only time the boxes have been rebooted was when the software was updated. They all run without any problems.
Within the next 2 or 3 weeks we are going to have a major lineup change with Comcast since they are switching to the new cable plant. I'll get to see what happens with my S3 boxes after that.But so far everything has been great.